The Bi-Annual Iowa Caucuses are approaching. Please put Monday, February 5th on your calendar! Both the Republican and Democrat parties will be conducting precinct caucuses on this date.

All precinct caucuses, Republican and Democrat, will start at 7:00 pm. Even though this is not a presidential caucus, attending your precinct caucus is still vitally important. The voice of Iowa pro-family voters needs to be heard and a force to be reckoned with.

There will be an election for county central committee members. In addition, delegates and alternate delegates will be elected to a county convention. We highly encourage you to have yourself elected to one of these positions. Also, potential county platform planks will be considered. Therefore, we would encourage you to bring your ideas or platform planks.

We encourage you to review this caucus training video. We believe it is simple and easy to understand the entire caucus process.

The Bi-Annual Iowa Caucuses are approaching. Please put Monday, February 5th on your calendar! Both the Republican and Democrat parties will be conducting precinct caucuses on this date.

All precinct caucuses, Republican and Democrat, will start at 7:00 pm. Even though this is not a presidential caucus, attending your precinct caucus is still vitally important. The voice of Iowa pro-family voters needs to be heard and a force to be reckoned with.

There will be an election for county central committee members. In addition, delegates and alternate delegates will be elected to a county convention. We highly encourage you to have yourself elected to one of these positions. Also, potential county platform planks will be considered. Therefore, we would encourage you to bring your ideas or platform planks.

We encourage you to review this caucus training video. We believe it is simple and easy to understand the entire caucus process.

Proceeds will be used for our voter project. Faith & Freedom Coalition will be making over 2.7 million voter contacts, using the micro targeting program that has proven to be a highly successful program.

We urge you & thank you in advance for your generous financial support.

Proceeds will be used for our voter project. Faith & Freedom Coalition will be making over 2.7 million voter contacts, using the micro targeting program that has proven to be a highly successful program.

We urge you & thank you in advance for your generous financial support.

Proceeds will be used for our voter project. Faith & Freedom Coalition will be making over 2.7 million voter contacts, using the micro targeting program that has proven to be a highly successful program.

We urge you & thank you in advance for your generous financial support.

The timing of “Dr.” LeRoy Carhart’s announcement of his intentions to put a late term abortion clinic in Council Bluffs after the November 2 elections was wise. The abortion issue has pretty much been off the radar screen since the election of Chet Culver in 2006. This election cycle primarily focused on fiscal policy and social policy was dominated only by the judicial retention vote.

Carhart’s plans to move his abortion business from an Omaha suburb to Council Bluffs present some interesting challenges for the pro-life community eager to stop him, and Senator Mike Gronstal may find yet another prominent social issue sitting firmly in his lap, one that could alienate him and his declining caucus even more from the voters of Iowa.

The reason for Carhart’s move to Iowa is due to recent laws passed by Nebraska’s legislature, which ban elective abortions after 20 weeks, citing the scientific fact that a baby’s nervous system is sufficiently developed to feel the pain of being dismembered, chemically burned or getting scissors shoved into the back of its skull. A law like this is bad for business, or so says Carhart. Carhart claims late term abortions make up the majority of his business.

So how does Iowa respond? We already tolerate a city with the highest per capita abortion rate in America. Do we want a late term abortionist like LeRoy Carhart here? The sad fact of the matter is that, if there was no market for his grisly services, he wouldn’t be coming to Iowa. So while we work to stop him, we must also work to stop the demand for his “services.”
There are several options that the legislature, the Branstad administration, and the pro-life groups can pursue to thwart Carhart’s plans. They must work together if they hope for success.

Legislatively, the House can pass a bill making Iowa’s abortion laws like Nebraska’s. The bill should be brought up and passed as quickly as possible and sent over to the Senate. Senate Republicans should make this issue, along with the marriage amendment issue, their top two social-issue priorities. While they are working to bolster the House Republicans, efforts to cut and control spending, they need to get these social issues up for a vote. The closer Carhart gets to his ribbon cutting, the more pressure needs to be put on Gronstal to keep this menace out of his back yard. And like the Marriage Amendment, this issue is the one where senate tradition needs to be thrown out the window.

Rules exist for a reason, and it is high time that the written and adopted rules of the Senate prevail over the “good ol’ boy” agreement that has existed for decades not to use them.

Perhaps along with the post 20-week ban legislation, it’s time to revive “A-Woman’s-Right-To-Know” legislation. Those who are for “choice” should have no problem with “informed choice”, right?

Regulatory solutions may include the Certificate Of Need (CON) process. Whether or not Carhart’s type of facility falls under the CON process will depend on what equipment Carhart will require in his facility and whether his activities are considered outpatient surgery. If it does, then pressure needs to be put on the Department Of Public Health (DPH),and state health facilities panel to make sure that all the requirements are met and that the community actually has a need to have its unborn babies over 20 weeks killed. Governor Branstad must step up and make sure that his DPH Director makes sure that the law is followed.

The Appropriations process may also provide some opportunities to slow down or stop Carhart’s efforts. Perhaps this issue can be used to finally de-fund Planned Parenthood and any other facility that provides abortions or referrals. Most Iowans don’t want their tax dollars funding abortions and never have. Funds could be directed to crisis pregnancy clinics to provide for ultrasound equipment so that these girls and women can see the life that is in them. Then they can make an educated choice, something that the abortion industry and abortion rights advocates fear the most.

Whatever the legislature does, it is time for the sleeping giant to reawaken and get the attention of the legislature. The lobbying muscles of the pro-life community that existed back in the 90’s have gotten flabby, and the knowledge of how to do grassroots lobbying has become foggy. It’s time for Iowa Right to Life, the Iowa Catholic Conference, the Iowa Christian Alliance, and the other pro-life and conservative groups to step up and fight for our unborn children.

Dan Boddicker is a former Iowa State Representative from Tipton, Iowa. Boddicker served as the chairman of the House Human Resources committee.

According to Rekha Basu in her column this morning, “Justice not served by vengeful ousters,” Rekha, as usual, still doesn’t get it. Almost a half million Iowans voted to deny retention to three Supreme Court justices, not out of any need for vengeance, but a need to restore the balance of power as provided in their constitution. The constitution ultimately belongs to all the people. Like Rekha, the justices either never appreciated that principle or forgot.

The losers— the elitists, the lawyers, the progressive left are, as expected, spinning their rejection by the voters as a hissy fit, a tantrum. Frankly, this is stupidity on their part. Rekha says, “Now, in a subversion of the judicial retention vote, a band of misguided activists look to have punished the justices……” She says also, “But because of a vengeful vote, that seemed all but certain at press time, judges now have to worry about the payback with every controversial ruling they make.” No Rekha, they only have to worry about controversial rulings that exceed their mandate, defy civility, create rights where they are unwarranted and/or non-existent and act like they are a law unto themselves.

One more quote from Rekha’s article: “The issue is, are the judges qualified to be on the bench? The vote –no people’s actions are at best arbitrary and at worst retaliatory.” This from a Sioux City attorney who served in three of Bob Vander Plaats’ gubernatorial campaigns before breaking with him on the judge retention issue.

When the sore losers start to whine about vengeful voters, out-of-state money, out-of state-activists, etc., remind them that almost one-half million Iowa voters voted to deny retention to these three judges, but allowed dozens more to keep their jobs. Your decision, whether you voted yes or no, was made after a considerable amount of discussion and debate. If anything, the main street media, like the Des Moines Register, went overboard to support retention. Every editorial and most guest columns were skewed toward retention. They did everything they could to frame the issue as one of guaranteeing judicial impartiality and keeping politics out of the courts. Every one of these judges was a political appointee. One article in the Register, “A question of BALANCE,” Thursday, October 28th, made it clear that the current system is controlled by Democrats, for Democrats.

Now that we the people have their attention, we need to work through the Legislature and our new governor to straighten out the imbalance in the judicial nominating and appointment process. That’s why I said in my last commentary on this issue, “This is not the end of the issue of dealing with Iowa’s activist judges. It is the beginning.”

SOME OTHER BIG WINS FOR THE PEOPLE

There were a few disappointments yesterday. I wanted Brenna Findley to be Attorney General and Brad Zaun to represent the 3rd Congressional District in Washington. I also thought David Jamison would be a great State Treasurer. And I wanted David Funk to shake up the Polk County Board of Supervisors.

But there were some real big wins. Kent Sorenson, who endured the most negative, unfair and downright disgusting campaign ads, won. Kent, who came to Christ about ten years ago, was savaged by Sen. Staci Appel (wife of Supreme Court Justice Brent Appel) for his life before Christ. Kent takes seriously Galatians 2:20~~”I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me, and the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.” And Romans 12:2~~”Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” That’s how Kent has tried to live his life since coming to Christ. Fortunately, his neighbors and the residents of Senate District 37 saw this in him and gave Mrs. Appel a whipping. Kent won by almost 5,000 votes, 59% to her 41%. Bye Bye Staci.

Another big win (if it holds, because it’s close) Kim Pearson, attorney, home-schooler Mom and tea party activist, beat seven-term incumbent, Geri Huser, for House District 42. The last report I saw had Kim up by less than 200 votes. Geri Huser tried to tout her blue dog Democrat credentials during the last few days before the vote. It seems not to have worked.

I will say more soon in another commentary after we have had a chance to look at complete results. But congratulations are in order for Joel Fry for beating Mike Reasoner, to Bill Anderson taking an open Republican Senate seat and Rick Bertrand for filling an open Democrat Senate seat.

Leroy and Janice Cobia cordially invite you to a pro-family reception and fundraiser in support of the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition featuring Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty.
Friday, October 8, 2010 from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Home of Leroy and Janice Cobia: 17680 Newberry Circle, Council Bluffs. While the reception begins at 5:00 PM our speakers will not begin until 5:30.
Come at your convenience. Light refreshments will be served. General attendance:$25 per person or $30 per couple. Please RSVP to 515-225-1515.

Chris and Cathleen McGowan cordially invite you to a pro-family reception and fundraiser in support of the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition featuring Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty.
Friday, October 8, 2010 from 7:30-9:00 PM at the Sioux City Country Club. Light refreshments will be served. General attendance:$25 per person or $30 per couple. Please RSVP to 515-225-1515.

Also this Friday in Burlington: Restoring the Power. Friday, October 8th * 7:00 pm * Great River Christian School * 426 Harrison St * Burlington, Iowa Visit http://www.iowachristian.com/amen.htm for more information.

We were quite happy with the turn out at the “Restoring The Power” event last Friday in Wellman, Iowa with about 70 in attendance. The 2 hour presentation consists of 6 parts:

1) Understanding Terms
2) A Brief History of Nation Building
3) Understanding Church and State
4) The American Republic and the Source of Republicanism
5) The War Against Freedom
6) Restoring Our Republic

The attendees went away understanding the difference between a Republic and a Democracy, key terms that are part of our political language, increased knowledge of our history and foundational concepts that gave birth to our Constitution, important Christian values that support freedom, the battle we face, and hope for the future.

Several of those attending expressed a desire to bring Restoring The Power to other communities and an interest in leading or attending Constitutional Study Groups. People are realizing that we can no longer allow ourselves to be uninformed when it comes to the truth of our history, our form of government, and the tyranny that is being imposed upon us.

For information about hosting “Restoring The Power” in your community contact:
Brad Sherman
(319) 338-2277sherm@getpurpose.org

Starting the 3rd week of the 2018 Iowa Legislative Session and things are moving right along. Iowa Faith and Freedom is at the State House daily working as a resource for legislators, a guardian of the Constitution, and a protector of our Judeo Christian Foundations as a nation.

Last Friday, 1-19-18 marked the deadline for new bills to be submitted. It appears this session should be every bit as productive as the last. Thankfully, several legislators intend to build on the success of last session in further protecting the lives of innocent Iowans in the womb.

The majority party seems unified in efforts toward tax reform so Iowa residents, businesses and owners can keep more of the money they earn. If the legislature can attain a portion of the success their federal counterparts were able to spark with over 170 businesses now crediting the tax reform directly to employee bonuses and wage increases, (1) Iowans should be hopeful.

Iowa is blessed to have a growing number of steadfast legislators working to protect life, liberty, and our nation’s Godly legacy through innovative policies. Several House Republicans have sponsored HF 2031 (2) which would allow local school districts to offer elective social studies courses emphasizing the impact of the Bible in literature, sciences, and cultures throughout history. Of course, the ill-informed will fuss about any connection to a Christian faith in spite of our nation’s foundations. Though many schools are already teaching the Koran and other mystic religions in social studies, some will deny equal opportunity concerning the Bible. It seems they would rather have students ignorant than understand the vast contributions of the Bible and those who believe in it. By their reasoning, we should then stop the teachings of Sir Francis Bacon, Sir Isaac Newton, Johannes Kepler, and contemporary Francis Collins, director of the Human Genome Project; (3) not to mention Einstein, Shakespeare, and Blackstone’s Commentaries on the Law. A 2014 Washington Post article (4) credits the Bible as a central and foundational influence that cannot be avoided in Western culture.

Throughout the 2018 Session, IFFC will keep you apprised of pending legislation good and bad, bills that expand or protect liberty and those that will harm or limit it, bills that uphold our Constitutional Foundations and those that jeopardize them. The goal being to inform and give you an honest account of State House happenings this session.

That said, Senate President, Jack Whitver, SD19-R gave an enthusiastic speech touting the state’s new education rankings opening day of the 2018 Session which was promptly met with confrontation from the Senate Democrat Leader.

Senator Whitver’s statement:

“I have never been more optimistic about what lies ahead for our state. People around the country are taking notice of Iowa. In just the last year, Iowa has been recognized for our great job climate – being named the BEST state in the country for the middle class. Our schools have also been recognized as we were named the #1 state in America in high school graduation rates and #4 in increased education funding. Our state has been recognized as the 3rd best managed state in America. There are so many reasons to be excited about the future.”

Seems positive and one would expect most Iowans to be pleased with such rankings. Yet, Senator Janet Petersen, SD18-D who is skilled in delivering death-blows to the unborn with her ‘Susie sunshine style and smile’ responded with the teaser that Democrats hoped to work across the aisle as Iowans expect their legislators to be civil. Then she attacked Republicans for “doing a lot of bad things to a lot of good people” during the 2017 session. Who knew Democrats would think good schools were a bad thing?

So, if this is a glimpse of what is to be in the 2018, civility appears no more than a word bandied about by Democrats for tv. Still Republicans have the numbers and no excuses, so buckle up and be ready. Could be quite a ride, and legislators deserve to have your help when they’re trying to help you.

Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition

Legislative Report

Tamara Scott, IFFC Lobbyist

IFFC Legislative report 3-7-17

March 3rd was the first funnel date, meaning any proposed legislation that didn’t make it through a committee is likely now dead. Most notable for the Life movement was the failure of SF 253, the Life at Conception Bill.

While it is considered the “gold standard” and certainly something Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition (IFFC) and Concerned Women for America (CWA) would like to see passed. Even with passage, many proponents of the bill admit the bill alone would likely not stop abortion though it would have been a great start by changing the Iowa code to recognize life begins at conception is to be protected by the state of Iowa and U.S. Constitution.

This is why IFFC and CWA supported SF 253, plus several other pro-life measures that we believe would have strengthened it and possibly hastened the end of abortion in Iowa. As it is, some of those bills did make it through committee and/or passed one chamber.

SF 2 – has passed the full Senate and awaits action in the House. It redirects taxpayer dollars to a greater number of non-abortion clinics offering more healthcare services in more locations across the state by defunding Planned Parenthood and abortion providers.

SF 53 – is now eligible for floor debate in the Senate. Often referred to as a 20-week ban, it in no way recognizes the right to an abortion, but prohibits abortion post-20 weeks.

While it’s unfortunate and disappointing that Life at Conception – the first legislative priority listed in the state platform of the Republican Party – didn’t make it to a Republican controlled Senate where it should have passed; the pro-life movement is alive, growing, and has much work yet to do – some within our own movement.

One of the reasons SF 253 may have failed could be that legislators who might have otherwise been supportive in helping the Bill make it through the process may have felt overwhelmed, even ambushed by angry and accusatory messages from supposed pro-life supporters.

Pro-life legislators who staked political capital on SF 253 sadly received angry messages for not doing enough or being successful. These messages are counterproductive and frankly, not a good witness for Christians.

We’ve been blessed to increase the number of strong pro-life legislators, we need to stand with them in work, success, and even failed attempts.

The good news is, because Republicans are in control, we still have both SF 2 and SF 53 which are good pro-life bills and will help save lives.

IFFC encourages our friends and members to attend local forums, town halls, and coffees with elected officials. Follow up with a polite call, email, or speak with legislators to stand for life. Give them the bill number, a one-line description and a specific request for action to either support it or help it through the committee process if applicable. Thank every legislator for their time away from family and job to serve. Edify and encourage them to do the right thing, but understand threats seldom work.

So STAND FOR LIFE, but SHINE FOR CHRIST when you do with a kind, direct if necessary, but always civil tone.

A note of thanks and gratitude:

IFFC wishes to thank Senator Brad Zaun 18-R, Senator Jason Schultz 9-R, Senator Jake Chapman 10-R for their heavy lift with SF 253. Their leadership was evident. They withstood the fury and attacks from opponents, and unfortunately, some from proponents. We and our members will look forward to working with them to further the cause however possible yet this year and in the future.

IFFC also wishes to thank other pro-life Senators who either submitted pro-life legislation or helped move pro-life bills forward like Senator Mark Chelgren 41-R who offered SF 54 and SF 26, Senator Mark Segebart 6-R, who chaired the committee to help pass SF 53, and Senator Amy Sinclair 14-R who helped lead the charge to defund PPH in the Senate. Not to mention the many other pro-life legislators in the Senate.

Please consider sending legislators a note of thanks at either their legislative email addresses first.lastname@legis.iowa.gov or by mail to Honorable (name), Iowa Senate or Iowa House, Iowa State Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa 50319.